A few years ago my personal style was kind of a jumble of confusion with no clear direction. I was torn between what I was drawn to naturally and what I had in my head that someone like me "should" look like. When I went shopping I chose things on impulse with no purpose or reasoning and ended up with a closet full of non-cohesive pieces . Now, several years later, I’ve figured out my style and want to share a few tips on how I found it and how you can find yours.

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What is my personal STYLE VOICE?

To best describe my Style Voice, Edgy Couture really sums it up. What is that you ask?! Think Chanel with a motorcycle jacket and Whisky.

My personal style evolves everyday and is often based on my mood, setting and the season. I'm not afraid to take risks or try new trends out. Confidence is most definitely key. I'm inspired by fashion shows, editorial campaigns, new trends and art. I would say my "signature" style could be described as "edgy chic". I'm drawn to sophisticated and posh silhouettes and styles, very New York chic. Black is usually my color of choice. But I have a little rebel fashionista side as well that has to edge it up a little. I love incorporating leather, black boots and moto jackets into my look and mixing high end designer pieces with thrifty finds from my favorite thrift shops. Faux Fur is usually in the equation and my obsession for fall/winter fashion is one of the reasons I love living in MN. Oh and of course, a hat is usually my finishing piece.

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​Now that you understand my Style Voice a little better, lets help you find yours!

First off, I’ll let you in on a little secret: figuring out your style isn’t just about clearly knowing what styles you are drawn to and like…figuring out what’s flattering to your body and what you feel comfortable and happy in is key. And once you find pieces that fulfill that criteria, the style just comes. And it’s uniquely yours.

To start this journey in finding your style self, you must start it with this - Stop caring what others will think of you and what others are wearing!! What looks good on Nancy from book club or Jen from down the hall or Pete in drama club are probably not going to look the same on you! Find your own voice. Do this, and you will start enjoying a freedom like you have never experienced before. Get out of your own head.

So let's get to it!My top tips to help you find those flattering and confidence-building pieces that will come together to create a fabulous style!​

Look to blogs, Pinterest, articles and catalogs/magazines for style references and see what styles and pieces you’re regularly drawn toward.

Don’t feel like “finding your style” means you have to choose one style, like boho or preppy or mod — style is about being creative and fun, and intermixing specific styles is absolutely part of that.

Look in your closet and see what pieces you wear over and over (besides sweats, of course). What do you love about those pieces? If they are flattering pieces that make you feel confident, that’s a good place to start, and when shopping, look for similar pieces, or ones that compliment those pieces.

What colors do you gravitate toward, or which ones do you look best in? Find a color palette that compliments your skin and hair tones, and use that as a jumping-off point, since you know pieces in those hues will be flattering.

Be adventurous once in a while. If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone occasionally, you might find a style gem. You never know what will look amazing on you until you try it (also, don’t knock it ’til you try it!)

Be honest with yourself about what works for your body type and what doesn’t. If it doesn’t work, don’t let it into your closet!

Skip trends that you know don’t work with other things in your closet. If you can’t think of at least 2 or 3 things you already own that would work with this new trend, let it go.

Recognize that more clothes doesn’t equal more style. A small closet full of remixable, flattering pieces is so much better than a huge closet of non-cohesive and unflattering ones.

Most importantly only buy and wear things that make you feel good about yourself!

Know Thyself! Trust your instincts, and wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. If you have more of a feminine-meets-classic style, like Lauren Conrad, wearing edgy pieces is going to look unnatural. Similarly, if you align with Rihanna’s tough-meets-glamorous looks, a twinset would look downright funny. You’ve likely already got a sense of killer style, so embrace it, and refine it, don’t fight it.

Don't forget about "The Entire Package" While I'm mainly talking about clothing and accessories here, true style encompasses makeup and hair too. If you’re not happy with your beauty look, you’re never going to feel as fashionable as possible. Start looking at makeup/hair inspiration images and reading tips to up your beauty game.

Take a quick Snap of the "Style Winners" You know those special days when you walk out the door feeling like your most stylish self? Snap a quick picture for future reference. These are the outfits that epitomize your true personal style, and should serve as inspiration for spin-off outfits.

Find your "Style Spirt Icon" The likelihood of finding a single style icon that defines you? Kinda low. Most people are more of a mix, think: a little Sienna Miller with a dose of Kate Bosworth, plus a dash of Mary-Kate Olsen. To figure out who your main influencers are, start by doing a Pinterest search of “style icons” and save the images you are drawn to. You’ll start to see a collection of repeat people (your style menagerie) who you can look to for inspiration.

Find your "Signature Piece" Audrey Hepburn had her cropped pants and ballet flats, Jackie O. had her oversized sunglasses, Coco Chanel had tweed jackets and layers of necklaces, Edie Sedwick had her statement earrings and mod minis. I have hats! All fashionable women own a signature item or two that becomes part of their style identity. Yours can be as simple as a personalized piece of jewelry, a color, a pattern or a coat.

Clean out your closet! After you hone in on the looks you like most, make a list of your preferences to help define your style voice (for example, "ladylike luxe" or "laid-back hippie chic"). Now comes the hard part: sticking to this defined style. Edit out pieces that don't fit the criteria. Anything borderline gets the cut, including pieces you only feel brave enough to wear once in a while. Style icons know what works for them and they stick to their formula.